Spread across the three sub-regions of the Douro, our vineyards are located at different altitudes, from 50m to 730m.
Various characteristics can be influenced by altitude, such as temperature, sun exposure, light intensity, and even the daily temperature range. All these characteristics will influence the ripening time and expression of the grape varieties and the profile and concentration of the wine itself.
The altitudes of the Douro sub-regions play a crucial role in shaping the characteristics of the wines. Each sub-region has unique altitude, soil and climate conditions, contributing to the diversity and complexity of Douro wines.
The Baixo Corgo vineyards are generally cooler, as this sub-region is closer to the coast and has a greater Atlantic influence.
These vineyards are located at an impressive altitude of 550m to 700m on schist soils, with a great variation in distance from the River Douro. They are vineyards that convey a lot of freshness and minerality given their location and altitude.
The Cima Corgo vineyards are more temperate and are located in the heart of the Douro, where the Atlantic influence is balanced with the Continental influence, with schist soils and granite outcrops.
As you go up in altitude, to 550 meters, you'll find vineyards on yellow schist soils facing the River Douro, with milder temperatures, further reinforced by the altitude. This produces wines of great elegance and balance, with fresh fruit and soft tannins. Further down, we have vineyards very close to the winery and the River Douro, at an altitude of just 50m, on blue schist soils.
The Douro Superior, known for its warmer, more continental climate, is the Douro sub-region closest to the Spanish border and therefore the one with the least Atlantic influence.
In the Murça area, at an altitude of 540 meters and with schist soils, despite being in the hottest sub-region of the Douro, this vineyard has deep soils with access to water. This singularity postpones the ripening of the grapes, with lower sugar levels and, consequently, greater acidity and freshness.